A pallet chicken coop is a simple and cost-effective way to house backyard chickens. It is constructed using wooden pallets, which are readily available and often free or inexpensive. But how to make it?
Decide your coop size and check local regulations. Find free pallets and basic tools. Screw pallets together to create a sturdy floor. Then, attach pallets or chicken wire for walls, leaving space for a door and ventilation. You can add a slanted roof using scrap wood or another pallet. Now, you give the finishing touch. Install a nesting box, secure the coop, and add bedding! Done!
Building a pallet chicken coop is a DIY project that requires basic carpentry skills. With a little creativity and effort, let’s build one for your yard!
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5 Reasons Why Consider Pallet Chicken Coops!
Pallet chicken coops offer a compelling option for chicken owners. Here’s why you should consider pallet chicken coop –
1. Cost-Effective
First and foremost, they are incredibly cost-effective.
Pallets are often free or very inexpensive. So, the materials for building the coop are minimal compared to purchasing a pre-made coop.
2. Environmentally Friendly
Pallet coops are environmentally friendly as they repurpose and upcycle materials. This aligns with sustainable living principles and reduces waste.
3. Customizable
Another benefit is the customizability of pallet coops.
With a bit of creativity, you can design and construct the coop to your specific needs and preferences. Besides, you can tailor the size, shape, and features to suit your flock!
4. Easy to Construct
Pallet coops are also relatively easy to construct, even for those with basic carpentry skills. The modular nature of pallets simplifies the building process. So, it makes an accessible project for DIY enthusiasts.
5. Aesthetic Appeal
These coops often have a rustic and charming appearance when you add pallets. It complements the aesthetic of your backyard or garden space.
How to Make Pallet Chicken Coop? A Step-by-step Guide!
Building a chicken coop from pallets is a fantastic way to get started! It’s eco-friendly, budget-friendly, and perfect for DIY enthusiasts of all levels. Let’s make it!
Planning and Design Considerations
Before you start building, think about how big your coop needs to be for your chickens.
Each chicken needs at least 4 square feet inside the coop and 10 square feet outside. Also, think about –
- Where to put ventilation
- Nesting boxes (1 for every 4-5 hens)
- Roosting bars (about 1-2 inches per bird), and
- Make sure it’s easy to clean and collect eggs.
Now, if you ask about Standard pallet size, it actually influences the overall dimensions of your coop. It’s crucial for them! Most common pallets are either:
- Standard Pallets (48″ x 40″ or 120cm x 80cm): These are a good option for smaller coops or using them as components within a larger coop design.
- HD Pallets (48″ x 48″ or 120cm x 120cm): These larger pallets offer more coverage per unit. It allows you to build a bigger coop with fewer pallets.
What if you need a small pallet chicken coop? Use a single standard pallet as the base (4ft x 3ft).
Materials List
Be sure you have all these materials and tools for free pallet chicken coop plans steps –
- You’ll need wooden pallets (which you can get for free or cheap)
- Chicken wire
- Wood boards
- Roofing material (like metal or shingles)
- Hinges for doors, and
- Tools like a hammer, saw, screwdriver, and staples.
Building Your Pallet Chicken Coop (Step-by-Step Guide)
Now you come to the main point! Follow the given steps –
#Step 1.
Make a sturdy base using pallets, pressure-treated lumber, or concrete blocks to raise the coop at least 6-12 inches off the ground. This prevents moisture buildup, deters pests, and makes cleaning easier. Secure the base using long exterior screws or construction adhesive.
#Step 2.
Build the walls by standing pallets vertically on the base and securing them together using galvanized screws or nails through the stringers. Reinforce with horizontal boards as needed for extra rigidity. Consider spaces for doors, vents, and nesting boxes at this stage.
#Step 3.
Cover all exterior walls with galvanized 1-inch chicken wire or hardware cloth, using a staple gun or U-nails to attach it tightly. This provides ventilation while excluding predators. Leave openings for doors/windows covered with separate frames.
#Step 4.
Construct a slanted roof using additional pallets topped with corrugated metal, asphalt shingles, or a heavy tarp material to shed rain and snow. Overhang the roof by several inches for protection. Secure it firmly to prevent leaks.
#Step 5.
Install roosting bars made of 2×4 boards approximately 1 or 2 feet above the floor and nesting boxes along one wall interior. Remember, floor height must be taken into consideration! Then, line boxes with fresh bedding like pine shavings. Provide one box per 4-5 hens.
#Step 6.
Frame out doors, windows, and pop-holes using sturdy lumber and cover openings with chicken wire. Add predator-proof latches and ramps/steps for easy chicken access. Vent holes near the roof promote airflow.
#Step 7.
Caulk any remaining gaps. Line the floor with 2-4 inches of absorbent bedding like wood shavings to soak up moisture. Add roosts and hang feeders/waterers at proper heights. Position in a shaded area with good drainage.
Finishing Touches and Other Considerations
- Seal any gaps, and cover the floor with dirt/sand for easy cleaning.
- Use non-toxic paints/stains. Install thick bedding like pine shavings.
- Build an attached run with buried wire to prevent digging predators.
- Add auto-door openers and vents for temperature control.
- Place the coop in a shaded area with good drainage.
- Perform regular cleaning and maintenance.
Take some help from the following video!
10 Different Pallet Chicken Coop Ideas
Wait! Are you expecting any other chicken coop ideas with pallets? Here’s a list of 10 pallet chicken coop ideas!
- Classic Pallet Coop: Simple and functional, made by stacking pallets with a slanted roof.
- A-Frame Pallet Coop: Looks like an ‘A’, with pallets arranged this way and a pointed roof.
- Portable Pallet Coop: Small and moveable, built on a pallet base with wheels.
- Pallet Coop with Run: Big coop with a play area attached, made from pallets and wire fencing.
- Raised Pallet Coop: Keeps chickens safe off the ground, with pallets used to make an elevated coop.
- Greenhouse-Style Pallet Coop: A coop with a greenhouse top, letting in lots of light and air.
- Insulated Pallet Coop: Made for cold places, with extra layers to keep chickens warm.
- Lean-To Pallet Coop: Simple and built against a wall or fence, using pallets for the front and roof.
- Multi-Level Pallet Coop: Fancy coop with different floors, all made from pallets.
- Pallet Coop with Nesting Boxes: This coop has special spots for eggs, all made from pallets.
Try among them! Good Luck!
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FAQs
Want to hear more? Here are some queries and answers to enlighten you!
Q. How long do chicken coop pallets last?
Well-constructed and maintained pallet coops can last 5-10 years. Proper treatment, weatherproofing, and occasional board replacement extend their lifespan.
Q. Is pallet wood safe for chickens?
Most pallet wood is safe if it’s heat-treated or stamped HT. Avoid chemically treated or moldy pallets as they can harm your flock.
Q. How much does it cost to build a pallet chicken coop?
Costs can range from $50-300 for a basic pallet coop. Prices vary based on coop size, new materials needed, and any hired labor.
Summary
Building a pallet chicken coop is like giving your backyard flock a cozy home. It’s not just about saving money; it’s about being kind to the planet too. All you need are some basic skills and a dash of creativity. Just follow the steps: plan, gather materials, assemble, add some nesting boxes and ventilation, and add bedding!
When you’re done, you’ll have a DIY masterpiece that’s not only practical but also quite aesthetic! And with a little TLC, it’ll be a comfortable retreat for your chickens. Go for it!
